The Coca-Cola Refreshing Films program selected Bella and Gracie Hall, Boise State film and television arts BA majors, as one of five finalist teams to film and produce a branded spot. Richard Klautsch, head of the Department of Theatre, Film and Creative Writing, said, “Gracie and Bella are two exemplary film majors. They are both outstanding representatives of the highest levels of academic success, of professional potential and readiness, and of the most trustworthy and collaborative character necessary for artistic achievement. My heartfelt congratulations to them and our entire Film Program.”
Selected from more than 600 applications in the United States and Canada, the Halls will work closely with professional filmmakers and marketing partners to bring their project to life. Katie Pryor, Program Manager for Coca-Cola Refreshing Films and one of the Agency Production Coaches who will be working with the Halls, said, “After meeting Gracie and Bella, we were struck by their enthusiasm for the creative process. They continue to excel at integrating Brand feedback while retaining their distinct voice. We remain increasingly impressed with them.”
An unparalleled opportunity
A platform for students to create content for the big screen, the Coca-Cola Refreshing Films program presents an unparalleled opportunity for emerging filmmakers and film crew members. “The goal,” Pryor said, “is to empower up-and-coming filmmakers and help launch their careers. Each film set will work with a 40+ student-based film crew to bring their spot to life. The program’s hope is that everyone on the crew from cinematographer to PA will use this program as a platform to launch their careers.”
Set up as a real-world experience, the program allows students to work alongside Coca-Cola and with professional mentors throughout the production process, culminating in a 60-second spot. “We’re really excited about making this film with Gracie, Bella and the Boise crew,” Pryor said. “This is our first year making a film with Boise and we can’t wait to see how the students’ creativity come to life. It’s been an absolute pleasure collaborating with Boise Professor Rulon Wood, who has gone above and beyond in supporting this year’s team.”
About the Refreshing Films program
Each year, the Coca-Cola Refreshing Films program creates a student scripting challenge. Students from partnered schools across the country submit their ideas. A panel selects five scripts as finalists to receive funding for production. The finalists associated with the selected scripts receive $18,000 to produce the spot along with program mentorship through the six month real-world experience platform. Students get to work alongside marketing professionals to finalize their films.
The Coca-Cola Refreshing Films program works with a panel of industry professionals known as the Red Ribbon Panel. They watch and provide feedback to all the films, picking the Grand Prize Winner. The Grand prize-winning film will make its debut in Cinemark, AMC Theatres, Cineplex, Landmark Cinemas, and other Coca-Cola pouring theaters nationwide in the spring of 2023.
To celebrate its 25th year, the program has teamed up with Cinemark to offer the Fan Favorite Award, an opportunity for participating finalists to share their work with the world. Moviegoers can vote online for their favorite of the finalist films. April 1st through April 30, the public will have the opportunity to view all five films.
Each year in early fall the Coca-Cola Refreshing Films program launches a new scripting challenge and students as well as recent graduates can apply to participate. If students want to get involved in the program, join the mailing list, and read more about the program on the Coca-Cola website.